Self-professed “Wine Mom” Colleen has picked out some stellar drops this month – including an affordable alternative to Champagne that tastes like the real deal.
Colleen, the Wine Merchant at our Dan’s store in Melbourne’s Richmond, might see herself as a certified “Wine Mom”, but she’s definitely a cool Wine Mom. “I’m originally from Canada and the USA – Kentucky, y’all. I love looking after our customers and helping them find the perfect bottle of wine,” Colleen says. “After years of studying, training and learning about wine, I know which regions produce the best styles, and I definitely know how to find a bargain.”
Colleen says it’s all about trusting the process – and your in-store experts. “I’ve said it before and I'll say it again: you have to kiss a few frogs to find your prince or princess! We do the hard work of trial and error and love sharing our wines with you.” And a delicious wine can also be affordable. “The wine world is constantly evolving and learning new techniques. Different climates and winemaking styles can produce some excellent wines at excellent prices. Often you also need to look at the wine production; did you know cork is also two to three times more expensive than screwcaps? Now you do!” Colleen says.
If you’re on the journey to try more affordable wines and broaden your horizons with your choices, Colleen says it pays to be open-minded and step outside your comfort zone. “A blend you’ve never heard of? Probably a great find. A fan of Champagne, but want something more affordable? Enter Cava. I also believe inexpensive wine can be lifted up by the company it’s consumed in. Good friends, good vibes and a great atmosphere can make things taste better than you expect, promise!”
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1. Old Fat Unicorn South Australia Rosé
Why should you try it?
What do you get when you cross a unicorn with a rhino? A bottle of rosé! This one from SA will keep your tastebuds on their toes with its luscious blend of strawberries and cream and subtle spice. “Often deep-coloured rosés look like they could be super sweet, but don't let this deceive you,” Colleen says. “It's slightly off-dry but full of juicy fruit flavours. South Australian rosé can tend to be more full-bodied and bursting with flavour due to the warm weather letting those grapes ripen,” Colleen explains. If you’re a rosé fan, this is definitely worth getting on your radar when the weather warms up and picnic season is calling.
Tastes like?
“You can still have a dry rosé full of ripe fruit flavours,” Colleen says. “There’s a tiny hint of sweetness but largely it’s well balanced. Enjoy lush and jammy strawberries, raspberries and hints of citrus zesty-ness; yummy bright acid keeps it refreshing too.”
Pair it with?
Colleen knows what’s on our mind as the weather improves: a summer barbecue. “Snags, ribs… whatever you like to throw on the barbie,” suggests Colleen. “I want this on a hot day with friends in the backyard while cooking up a storm. The structure, tannins and full body hold up against meat and sauces. The best part? If you like your meat with a little bit of spice, this will balance that kick perfectly.” We’re sold.
2. Franklin Tate Estates Sauvignon Blanc Semillon
Why should you try it?
Tate Estates is a family-owned and run winery in Margaret River. They’ve sourced some of the most prestigious vineyard sites in the region and work with well-known winemaker Rory Clifton-Parks to handcraft high-quality wines. Colleen is a big fan of blends in general. “They’re the best! Why stick with one wine profile when you can combine two to create something magic? This is a traditional Margaret River blend. The sauvignon blanc brings beautiful fruit notes and big acid, while the semillon gives it body and just the right amount of soft texture.”
Tastes like?
“Classic flavours shine through here, think passionfruit and zesty lime alongside a nice level of minerality – I even notice hints of white florals,” Colleen says. She admits it’s got plenty going for it for a bottle under $15, from a beautiful dry finish to its pronounced nose. “It’s fresh, it’s zippy, it’s fab!”
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Pair it with?
“I want oysters, prawns, scallops or white fish with this. The saltiness of seafood dishes brings out the acidity of this wine making it a refreshingly bright and light time for everyone involved. To help describe her love for wine and Succession, Colleen shares one of her favourite quotes from the show: "I just keep thinking about... when we get home before dinner and we have the very first glass of cold white wine on an empty stomach. I just love that.” “I feel ya, Tom,” Colleen says.
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3. Porta 6 Lisboa
Sure, Portuguese wines are less famous compared to ones from neighbouring countries like France or Spain, but they’re just as tasty. “Porta 6 Lisboa is a satisfying medium-bodied red made from a blend of tempranillo (tinto roriz), castelao and touriga nacional. It heralds from the Lisboa wine region and, according to Colleen, if you like soft red wines full of flavour, you’ll love this one. “Plus, I can’t get enough of the little cat playing the guitar on the cap.” Cute.
Tastes like?
“Smooth, juicy and full of flavour. Enjoy rich jammy raspberry, strawberries, plums and dark forest fruit – it’s also worth noting this is a dry wine,” explains Colleen.
Pair it with?
You can easily enjoy this drop on its own, but if you’re pairing it with a tasty morsel then try it with a traditional Portuguese dish like salada de polvo (octopus salad) or grilled chorizo sausage.
4. Maschio Rosé Sparkling
Why should you try it?
Hailing from the sunny vineyards of Triveneto in North-Eastern Italy, this extra dry rosé from producer Cantine Maschio makes for a perfect aperitif – it also shines as a base in any spritzy cocktails. For 50 years, this maker has been producing standout sparkling wines and this pretty-in-pink number is a surprising win for such a cheerful price.
Tastes like?
“That pink colour comes through on the palate – it’s roses, strawberries and raspberries galore! It’s fresh and full-bodied, perfect for a hot summer’s day. There’s a hint of sweetness, but the acid is extremely refreshing to balance it all out perfectly,” Colleen says. Excuse us while we pop a bottle right now.
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Pair it with?
Good news for the sweet tooths out there – Colleen says this sparking also goes nicely with dessert. “Most people think about bubbles on arrival, but it can be the perfect pairing for the final course,” she explains. “I'm picturing a New York-style cheesecake drizzled with a strawberry and raspberry compote – yummo!” The magical thing that happens here is the acid from the sparkling cuts through the richness of the dessert, and the similar fruit profiles are a veritable match made in heaven.
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5. Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava
Why should you try it?
So, you want a bottle of Champagne without the price tag? Colleen is all over it. “This Cava is made exactly the same way Champagne is, and it’s a fraction of the cost,” she explains. “The grapes are hand-picked and, like most classic Champagnes you may be familiar with, the style is ‘brut’, which means it’s the least sweet style of sparkling.” Freixenet calls this Spanish sparkling a “sexy little number” and we couldn’t agree more.
Tastes like?
Colleen describes Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Cava as light, bright and classic. “Think beautiful green and yellow apples, with soft pear and truly a refreshing palate. It’s dry, like I mentioned, but has creamy bubbles and really is a delicacy for the price.”
Pair it with?
“Friends!” Colleen says. “I'm kicking off my get-together with a bottle. It’s always fun to pop the cork – or sabre, if that’s your vibe – and pour something that tastes like Champagne, but won't break the bank.” Do as Colleen does and throw together a charcuterie and cheese board. “You can’t beat meats, cheeses, something that tastes just like Champagne and a good old-fashioned chinwag with your favourite people.” Cheers to that!
